Jay nodded. ‘You might as well stay, unless you need to get home for Oliver or anything?’
‘A shower is at the top of my list,’ said Nora, trying to subtly sniff her own armpit.
‘Take the weight off and I’ll fix us all an Espresso Martini. I’ve been working on them this weekend and I’ve almost perfected it,’ said Renee proudly. ‘You can be my guinea pigs,’ she added before heading off to the kitchen.
Jay was still putting things down and Nora was taking her shoes off. ‘See, she’s fine,’ whispered Nora. ‘And Bruce hasn’t come to bark at us. That’s all good. Isn’t it?’
‘He’s probably spaced out on Espresso Martinis.’
‘He’s on his rug.’
‘He doesn’t have a rug,’ said Jay, throwing his hands up.
In the living room they found Bruce lying on a sheepskin rug with his legs in the air. Jay inched towards the dog and Nora took a seat on the sofa.
‘Here we are. Try these cheeky little buggers,’ said Renee, putting down a tray and decanting three crocheted coasters and three coupe glasses.
‘I like your coasters,’ said Nora, nodding at Jay.
‘They’re not mine.’
‘I couldn’t find any and I got a bit bored so I made you a set to match the cushions,’ said Renee, sitting down.
‘I don’t have cushions,’ mouthed Jay at Nora with wide eyes.
‘Cheers,’ said Renee, taking a sip of her cocktail and smacking her lips together.
‘Thanks,’ said Jay, looking puzzled. ‘They’re not my glasses.’
‘I couldn’t find anything suitable for cocktails so I ordered in.’ Renee looked at them both. ‘Drink up!’
‘Renee,’ said Jay. ‘What’s wrong with Bruce?’
They all stared at the dog, who looked like he was doing a dying-fly impression, although motionless with his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
‘I’ve been doing some relaxation techniques with him and he’s picked them up a treat. Brucey, Daddy’s back,’ said Renee and he seemed to come to life. He rolled over and lay there with his head on his paws. ‘Give him a fuss then. He’s been looking forward to you getting home.’ Renee stared at Jay.
‘Oh right. Um, OK. Hello, Bruce.’ Jay leaned tentatively forward and patted the dog on the head.
‘He can barely feel that. Have you seen how thick his coat is? Give him a hearty rub, that’s what he likes.’
Jay swallowed hard. ‘A hearty rub. OK.’ Jay’s fingers disappeared into the dog’s coat as he made more of a fuss of him.
‘That’s better. Now do tummy tickles. He bloody loves that, he does,’ said Renee. ‘Brucey, roll over for Daddy.’ Bruce immediately flipped on to his back, making Jay whip his hands out of the way. Renee pointed at the dog’s middle.
Nora was trying not to laugh. Jay’s fear and discomfort was palpable. ‘What’s with the rug, Renee?’
‘He needed a space that was all his,’ she said.
‘He has a dog bed,’ said Jay, trying to look at Renee but clearly not wanting to take his eyes off the dog as he rubbed his tummy.
‘He doesn’t like it. It’s probably been used as a punishment by his previous owners. Go to your bed,’ snapped Renee, making Nora and Jay jump and for a second Nora thought Jay was going to make for the stairs. ‘The rug is much nicer for him.’
‘I think you’ve done an amazing job with Bruce,’ said Nora, sipping her cocktail and making an O shape with her mouth because it was potent. She still wasn’t used to Renee measures. ‘Are the cushions new?’ she asked.
‘Yes,’ said Renee and Jay together– the tone of each of them quite a contrast.
‘The place needed a bit of colour,’ said Renee. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’
